We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying interior design jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Are you wondering what the highest-paying interior design jobs are?
If so, we’re here to help you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 well-paying interior design jobs. We’ve used data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, and other reliable sources to bring you the most accurate information possible.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
#10. Visual Merchandiser
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $26,000 per year
- High Range: $64,000 per year
- Median Pay: $40,582 per year
What do they do?
A visual merchandiser is an integral part of any retail store. They are responsible for making sure that every aspect of the store looks great, from the product displays to the lighting.Â
Visual merchandisers also ensure that there is a clear path through the store for customers, so they don’t get lost or confused.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most visual merchandisers have a bachelor’s degree in design or marketing. Employers may hire visual merchandisers with only a high school diploma and relevant experience. However, they can expect to earn less than those with a degree.
Who’s hiring for this job?
A wide range of companies hires visual merchandisers. These include large retailers, department stores, and specialty shops. These interior design professionals may also find jobs in advertising agencies or design firms.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a visual merchandiser job is to build experience and a portfolio. You can do this by volunteering at local retail stores or applying for internships. Once you have the experience and knowledge, you can apply for a job as a visual merchandiser.
Should you become a visual merchandiser?
#9. Interior Design Writer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $34,000 per year
- High Range: $92,000 per year
- Median Pay: $56,986 per year
What do they do?
An interior design writer works in the field of interior design, writing articles and blogs about the latest trends in home decorating. They also write product reviews, conduct interviews with designers, and post them online.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Interior design writers usually have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications. They also need to be skilled at interviewing people and researching topics.Â
Additionally, they should have an understanding of interior design trends and techniques. You can also get into this field with no experience by taking an online course or learning from a mentor.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Interior design writers work for a variety of publications. You can find jobs in home improvement magazines, interior design magazines, and trade publications. You can also write for websites that specialize in decorating or fashion.
What is the best way to get this job?
Writers can get into this field without experience by taking an online course or learning from a mentor. You can also get your foot in the door by writing blogs and websites that cover interior design.
What’s it like to be an interior design writer?
#8. Set Designer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $94,000 per year
- Median Pay: $57,970 per year
What do they do?
A set designer is responsible for creating the sets used in movies and television shows. They work closely with directors and producers to ensure their vision comes to life on screen.
A set designer’s job varies depending on the type of project they’re working on. In some cases, they may be required to design an entire building or area from scratch, while others may only need to create the backdrop for one specific scene.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most set designers have at least a bachelor’s degree in theater or design. However, graduate degrees are usually preferred by employers. In addition to their degree, set designers often have some experience in theater or film production.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Most set designers work for theater companies or movie studios. They can also find jobs at theme parks, amusement parks, and cruise ships.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a set designer is through experience. Most designers begin by volunteering at small theaters. From there, they gain experience with larger productions and eventually find jobs in the entertainment industry.
What’s it like to be a set designer?
#7. Accessibility Consultant
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $38,000 per year
- High Range: $103,000 per year
- Median Pay: $62,670 per year
What do they do?
In interior design, accessibility consultants help make buildings easier to navigate for people with mobility issues. For example, they may ensure that the wheelchair ramps have enough incline or that there’s adequate space between counters and walls so that customers in wheelchairs can get around easily.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become an accessibility consultant, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field. Some employers require candidates to have experience in the field, as well.Â
You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds since you’ll often be working directly with customers.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Many interior design firms hire accessibility consultants. You might also find work with a company that specializes in building renovations or equipment installation.Â
In addition, some companies that specialize in designing spaces for people with disabilities employ accessibility consultants to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
What is the best way to get this job?
One way to get this job is to work as an intern or volunteer for an interior design firm. You’ll be able to learn more about the industry and gain valuable experience that will help you land a full-time position.
You may also start with an entry-level position in the field, such as a junior designer or assistant. As you gain experience and build your portfolio, you can move up within the company or look for opportunities elsewhere.
Should you become an accessibility consultant?
#6. Interior Design Educator
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $23,100 per year
- High Range: $124,000 per year
- Median Pay: $63,000 per year
What do they do?
Interior design educators prepare students for careers in interior design. They teach students about the profession, help them develop skills, and prepare them for certification exams. These teachers may also give students real-world experience by letting them work on design projects.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become an interior design educator, you must have a bachelor’s degree in interior design. A master’s degree can help you advance in your career.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Companies that provide interior design education include the following:
- Community colleges
- Trade schools
- Universities
- Industry associations, and companies
What is the best way to get this job?
You can look for jobs on online job boards or in the local newspaper to get this job. You might also want to directly contact companies that provide interior design education and apply for an open position.
Should you become an interior designer educator?
#5. Residential Interior Designer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $24,000 per year
- High Range: $95,500 per year
- Median Pay: $63,373 per year
What do they do?
Residential interior designers work in residential homes and apartments. They help clients choose furniture, decorate rooms, and plan renovations. This job can be challenging because it requires a lot of creativity and problem-solving skills.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers will require a bachelor’s degree in interior design, along with several years of experience. You may also need to be licensed or certified by the state.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These commercial designers work for home builders, contractors, and furniture stores. They can also work for retail companies that sell home furnishings or other products related to interior design.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can learn more about the field by taking classes at a local community college or university. You can also get hands-on experience working as an intern with a licensed interior designer.
Once you have met the requirements, you can find job listings through online job boards. You can also ask other interior designers for leads.
Should you become a residential interior designer?
#4. Kitchen Designer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $46,000 per year
- High Range: $113,000 per year
- Median Pay: $71,722 per year
What do they do?
Kitchen designers work for home builders and contractors. They design interior spaces in kitchens and other areas of the home that are used for preparing food.Â
Think about how your kitchen is laid out, including any features like cabinets, appliances, and countertops. How do these features work together to make an efficient space?
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Kitchen designers need a bachelor’s degree in interior design. They should also have skills in computer-aided design (CAD) software, which is used to create plans for new homes and renovations. Employers may consider the experience in the field or portfolio of previous work.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Kitchen designers work at home renovation companies, kitchen remodeling companies, and other design firms. They may also be hired by contractors to create plans for renovations or new construction projects.
The national average salary for these kitchen and bath designers may vary depending on several factors, such as experience and expertise.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a kitchen designer is by gaining experience through internships, volunteering, and working part-time jobs in the field. This will help you build up your portfolio and learn more about interior design.
Should you become a kitchen designer?
#3. Sustainability Consultant
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $45,000 per year
- High Range: $124,000 per year
- Median Pay: $74,360 per year
What do they do?
A sustainability consultant is a designer who specializes in sustainable design. They help clients discover materials and building designs that are better for the environment.Â
These energy and environmental design specialists may perform audits of existing buildings or design an eco-friendly project from scratch.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A sustainability consultant needs a degree in architecture or interior design, as well as some experience in the field. They should also have knowledge of building materials and construction techniques to advise clients on how to use them responsibly.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These sustainable interior designers work for a variety of companies, including architecture firms, interior design companies, and building management firms. They may also offer their services directly to consumers.
What is the best way to get this job?
These consultants can get a job by working their way up from an entry-level position. Once you have the experience and knowledge, you look for high-paying jobs that will give you a chance to use your skills.
You can also start your own consulting business if you want more freedom and control over how much money you make.
What’s it like to be a sustainability consultant?
#2. Corporate Interior Designer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $47,000 per year
- High Range: $121,000 per year
- Median Pay: $75,147 per year
What do they do?
Corporate interior designers focus on designing office spaces and other areas of a company’s building. They’re responsible for creating an environment that supports the business’s goals while also appealing to employees. This can include creating conference rooms, offices, hallways, and more.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or a related field is the typical minimum requirement for an entry-level position. You should also be able to demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving skills by showing off any projects that you’ve completed while in school.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Corporate interior designers often work for large companies that need to remodel or build new offices, like Google and Amazon. They also work for real estate developers who are building homes or commercial buildings.
What is the best way to get this job?
To break into the field, you can start by looking for internships at companies that design buildings or commercial spaces. You could also get a job as an architectural assistant and work your way up from there.
Should you become a corporate interior designer?
#1. Healthcare Designers
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $48,000 per year
- High Range: $134,000 per year
- Median Pay: $79,856 per year
What do they do?
A healthcare designer’s primary responsibility is to create spaces that are safe, comfortable, and functional for patients and staff. They’re typically responsible for designing everything from hospitals to medical offices to nursing homes.Â
In addition, they may be tasked with updating or remodeling existing facilities so that they meet current standards of care.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The most common educational degree for this type of job is a bachelor’s degree in design, architecture, or engineering. Of course, many designers can get by with just an associate’s degree. But employers typically prefer to hire professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Hospitals, medical schools, and other healthcare facilities are always looking for qualified healthcare interior designers to help them build or renovate their buildings.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a healthcare designer is to get the right education and training. You can learn how to become a hospital architect by enrolling in an associate’s degree program or by earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture or design from an accredited university.
Should you become a healthcare designer?
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve covered the highest-paying interior design jobs and learned what it takes to succeed in each one.
We’ve also discussed how you can prepare for these careers by getting the right education and training.
Now that you know everything there is to know about these high-paying jobs in interior design, it’s time to get started on your career journey.
